SAN ANTONIO — The game ended Brennan's 2012 season, but Bears coach Steve Basore knew he discovered someone who would serve as his team's future leader.

On the surface, Brennan's 32-7 loss to Cedar Park in the Class 4A state quarterfinals was a disappointing end to a 13-1 season. But, Basore took some solace in the performance of his then-sophomore quarterback Da'Shawn Key.

“He stepped up in that game,” Basore said of Key, who passed for 186 yards and one touchdown.

It was in that game where Basore saw the beginning of the transformation of a “feisty” player to a “poised” leader.

As Brennan makes the move up to the Class 6A ranks, Basore is happy to have a quarterback like Key to lead the way.

“He used to get a little too feisty as a sophomore, but he gained a lot of poise last year,” Basore said. “And now, he's not going to get rattled. And not only is he not going to get rattled, he's going to make sure his teammates don't get rattled.”

Key rushed for 2,002 yards and 35 touchdowns, passed for 1,809 yards and 22 TDs and helped guide the Bears to the Class 4A Division I state championship game, where they lost to Denton Guyer to end their season at 15-1.

“His dual-threat (ability) makes it difficult for everyone,” Basore said. “His skills will get displayed. He's a super competitor. That's why I've had a lot of confidence in him. He's got a lot of natural leadership and natural confidence. Those are the things you want kids to have.”

It helps that he has a state playoff run under his belt.

“Last year was a big learning experience for me,” Key said. “We went all the way to the state championship (game), so I definitely calmed down as a player. Instead of focusing on what I have to do, I can focus on how to make my teammates better.”

As difficult as it is to believe, Brennan's offense was often overshadowed by its dominating defense last year. That's an amazing feat, considering the Bears averaged 52 points in 2013. By contrast, the Bears yielded 5.1 points a game and posted nine shutouts.